xii PREFACE. 



rupted : Nor easily discouraged, ought he ever to forsake his pursuit as 

 hopeless. If it be difficult to determine truth, from the time and trouble 

 of ages, how should we be guarded from error by negligence and preci- 

 pitation ? 



Those who are animated by the love of science, who are endowed 

 with liberality and learning — and, above all, the pious, who bow in venera- 

 tion of the mighty Power of the Creator, will justly appreciate the true 

 import of this Treatise, though impaired by the numerous defects insepa- 

 rable from the works of mankind. 



